Question about MCC and Stafford loans

CorazonDeOro · Feb 21, 2010

Hi everyone, I'm new here. I'm currently a flight attendant and while I love my job, a lot of crazy stuff has been happening with a recent merger and over-staffing, so the possibility of losing my job has crossed my mind. Because of this, I decided to pursue a degree in nursing, something I've always wanted to do. I think it's such an honorable profession. With that being said...
I'm going to be enrolling at MCC. I've already filled out FAFSA and was told I am eligible for a Pell grant and possibly a Stafford loan. However, upon reviewing MCC's loan info, they apparently don't allow loans to cover anything extra, such as cost of living expenses. Well, that's fine right now as I'm currently employed, however, once I begin nursing school it would be impossible for me to continue flying (15-18 days/month) and go to school (that is, if I still have my job!). So I would be forced to take a leave of absense, leaving me with no income. I don't require much to live on, but I was hoping I would qualify for a little something above and beyond the cost of attendance so I could survive during nursing school. I really don't want to have to take out a private loan as I've heard the interest can be outrageous.
Has anyone been in a similar situation and actually gotten approved for a Stafford loan above what MCC deems appropriate for their COA? I'd really appreciate any input. Thank you!!

I receive Stafford loans from MCC and I had them at Wayne State in the past. The way it has always worked for me is that I would get approved for a certain amount that they decide. I then have to accept the amount of that money that I want to take. (Say they approved me for 4000 but I only needed 2500..I would just take what I needed.) Then MCC will figure the amount of the loan that you get based on the credits you take. My nursing semesters are only about 9 credits or so, which means I do not get the full amount I was eligible for. Anything left over after my tuition is paid is refunded to me via Macomb's new debit card thing (I believe you can go to a special ATM on campus and cash it out.) So what I am trying to say is that...you may qualify for more than the tuition will be and you can use the extra money for books or whatever else you need to (I remember at WSU I used my extra money to by a laptop). I tend to not get approved for a whole lot in Stafford loans though, so I was taking out private loans as well (which you get in the form of a check made out to you that you can really use for any expense.) Does this help?

MsPebbles · Feb 22, 2010

Yes, that does help, thank you very much. I guess it's no use in worrying myself over it too much now as nursing school is still a ways away, but I'm *hoping* I'll be able to get my pre-reqs done in time to be eligible to apply for the 2011 program.

Thanks again Corazon. :)